Profession plasterer

Plasterers install, maintain and repair plasterboard in buildings, and apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement and similar material to the interiors and exteriors of structures.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Artistic

Related professions paving, tiling, glazing

• Drywall installer, ceiling tile installer, or taper
• Glazier
• Marble setter
• Mosaic cutter-setter
• Stucco mason

Knowledge

• Types of plastering materials

  Types of plastering materials containing different proportions of materials such as gypsum, cement and lime, each with their own properties, usage cases and cost.

Skills

• Transport construction supplies

  Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.

• Prepare surface for plastering

  Prepare the wall or other surface to be plastered. Make sure the wall is free of impurities and moisture, and is not too smooth as this will prevent proper adherence of the plastering materials. Decide whether an adhesive wall coating is called for, especially if the wall is damp or very porous.

• Apply proofing membranes

  Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.

• Mix construction grouts

  Mix construction materials with water and other materials based on the appropriate recipe. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps. Avoid contamination, which will adversely affect the properties of the mixture.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Apply adhesive wall coating

  Apply an adhesive coating, usually based on PVA, to a wall to ensure a good bond between the wall and a covering layer, such as plaster.

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Place drywall

  Place sections of drywall against a surface. Put joists in place. Plan the amount of drywall necessary and the pattern they will be installed in to minimise the number of joints.

• Follow health and safety procedures in construction

  Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

• Cut wall chases

  Cut a narrow channel in a wall or other partition in order to run cables through it. Cut the channel straight and without causing unnecessary damage. Be sure to avoid existent wires. Lead the cables through the chase and fill it up with the appropriate material.

• Plaster surfaces

  Apply plaster to a prepared surface manually or using a mechanical plaster spreader. Finish the plaster layer with a plastering trowel or screed. Polish the surface to a matte finish to make sure any other coverings adhere to the surface. Inspect the result and retouch if necessary.

• Work safely with chemicals

  Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

• Inspect construction supplies

  Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

• Use measurement instruments

  Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

• Install insulation material

  Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, or rely on friction to keep the material in place.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB